The founder of the Brett Foundation has said she is ‘absolutely over the moon’ following the news the charity’s application for a new emergency shelter has been approved.

Members of Maidenhead Development Control Panel unanimously approved the planning application for the shelter, which also includes a furniture repair shop and foodbank storage, at a meeting on Wednesday.

Sue Brett has now set to work organising the opening of the shelter in Howarth Road, with a target of opening no later than January 1.

There will be space for seven homeless people to sleep at the shelter, as well as for advice and educational training to be given.

A furniture repair business is to be placed within the building that will enable those using the shelter to learn new skills.

Sue said: “I am absolutely over the moon. It has taken a lot of work to get this far.

“It’s a lifeline for those who want to get off the streets if we can get them into the shelter.

“We can work with them when they are there and see if we can then move them to one of our half way houses or into different accommodation.

“Sadly it can only take seven, but that’s a good number, it means we can really work with them more individually.”

There is still a lot of work to be done by the Brett Foundation volunteers before the shelter will be ready for use.

Sue asks if anyone can donate bedding and towels by bringing them to the Kindness Shop in King Street from Monday, and if anyone who can offer time to volunteer with the internal works of the building, or to help with the running of the shelter, can email her on susanbrett4@aol.com.

Permission was given for the shelter to be on the site for five years.

The Mayor of Slough Cllr Arvind Dhaliwal meets family and friends. A family fun day is being held at IQRA Primary School in memory of Ayesha Farooq, 23. IQRA Primary School, Fernside, Wexham Rd, Slough